Amgen Recalls Certain Lots of Anemia Drugs

Washington, DC: Amgen announced today that certain lots of EPOGEN and PROCRIT (Epoetin alfa) vials are being voluntarily recalled from specialty distributors, wholesalers, pharmacies and healthcare providers as a precaution.

The product that is being recalled may contain extremely thin glass flakes (lamellae) that are barely visible in most cases. The lamellae result from the interaction of the formulation with glass vials over the shelf life of the product. The products are indicated for the treatment of anemia related to HIV therapy, chronic renal failure, and chemotherapy.

Evaluations by Amgen and Centocor Ortho Biotech Products, L.P. found a low potential to impact patients who may have received the affected product. The potential serious adverse events resulting from the use of a sterile injectable product with particulates by the intravenous route include embolic, thrombotic and other vascular events (e.g., phlebitis), and by the subcutaneous route include foreign body granuloma, local injection site reactions, and increased immunogenicity.

A list of the affected product lot numbers and expiration dates is available through the link below.

Legal Help

If you or a loved one has suffered illness or an adverse health event resulting from the use of any of the affected products, please click the link below and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
Published on Sep-27-10